Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Cardinal Crabapple

Malus 'Cardinal'

Category: Deciduous Tree • Magnolia

Cardinal Crabapple offers stunning flowers and vibrant fruit, perfect for accenting gardens.

Mature Height: 15-20 feet
Mature Width: 10-15 feet
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Time: Spring
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 4-8
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Spring
Foliage: Deciduous
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The Cardinal Crabapple is a small deciduous tree known for its stunning spring blooms and attractive fruit. It features glossy green leaves and is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, adaptable to various pH levels, and can handle moderate moisture.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

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Special Features

Attractive flowerscolorful fruitand fall foliage.

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and birds with its fruit.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for small spaces and urban gardens. Provides seasonal interest throughout the year.

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Use this page to get a feel for where Cardinal Crabapple may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Cardinal Crabapple a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.